Improving neutron dosimetry using bubble detector technology
Providing accurate neutron dosimetry for a variety of neutron energy spectra is a formidable task for any dosimetry system. Unless something is known about the neutron spectrum prior to processing the dosimeter, the calculated dose may vary greatly from that actually encountered; that is until now. The entrance of bubble detector technology into the field of neutron dosimetry has eliminated the necessity of having an a priori knowledge of the neutron energy spectra. Recently, a new approach in measuring personnel neutron dose equivalent was developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. By using bubble detectors in combination with current thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) as a Combination Personnel Neutron Dosimeter (CPND), not only is it possible to provide accurate dose equivalent results, but a simple four-interval neutron energy spectrum is obtained as well. The components of the CPND are a Harshaw albedo TLD and two bubble detectors with theoretical energy thresholds of 100 key and 1500 keV. Presented are (1) a synoptic history surrounding emergence of bubble detector technology, (2) a brief overview of the current theory on mechanisms of interaction, (3) the data and analysis process involved in refining the response functions, (4) performance evaluation of the original CPND and a reevaluation of the same data under the modified method, (5) the procedure used to determine the reference values of component fluence and dose equivalent for field assessment, (6) analysis of the after-modification results, (7) a critique of some currently held assumptions, offering some alternative explanations, and (8) thoughts concerning potential applications and directions for future research.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OR21400
- OSTI ID:
- 6525620
- Report Number(s):
- ORNL/TM-11916; ON: DE93013453
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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The development, characterization, and performance evaluation of a new combination type personnel neutron dosimeter
The development, characterization, and performance evaluation of a new combination type personnel neutron dosimeter
Related Subjects
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
BUBBLE CHAMBERS
PERFORMANCE
NEUTRON DETECTORS
NEUTRON DOSIMETRY
OPTIMIZATION
DOSE EQUIVALENTS
NEUTRON SPECTRA
RADIATION PROTECTION
SENSITIVITY
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE
DOSIMETRY
GAS TRACK DETECTORS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
RADIATION DETECTORS
SPECTRA
560101* - Biomedical Sciences
Applied Studies- Radiation Effects- Dosimetry & Monitoring- (1992-)
440103 - Radiation Instrumentation- Nuclear Spectroscopic Instrumentation